Author: Louise Mannion

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Pumping and Breastfeeding at Work

Many new mums want to return to work, but they also want to give their baby the benefits breastfeeding can offer. With a bit of careful planning, pumping at work and breastfeeding can be done easily.

Pumping at work

Even if you have a supportive employer, you may be concerned about the cultural aspects of breast pumping at work. Will your co-workers understand your unexpected short breaks? Will you be able to find the privacy you require? The good news is: if you are prepared to explain your needs in a calm and constructive way, all of these concerns can be addressed.

Here are a few tips to make it easier for you to keep breastfeeding your baby while keeping your career on track. There are a lot of breast pumps on the market. Medela offers a variety of pumps with a range of features, depending on your needs and lifestyle. You can check out the full range here.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a breast pump:

  • How long will you be feeding breast milk to your baby? If you want to give your baby breast milk once you go back to work, you will need to pump more often than while on maternity leave.
  • How often do you need to pump? We recommend that you pump as often as your baby would feed, which is about three to four times during a full workday, depending on how long you are separated from your baby.
  • Where will you pump? For a relaxed and more efficient pumping experience, find somewhere where you can pump in private whilst at work. Ideally you should get a light, portable and quiet breast pump that enables you to pump milk in a variety of locations: at college or university, at work, at home or elsewhere.
  • How much time do you have for a pumping session? By using a pump that lets you express milk from both breasts at once you can cut the time you need for pumping in half. Plus you will get more milk in the bottle, you will have an extra milk ejection reflex and the pumped milk will have a higher fat content. Using a double pump is the best way to drain your breasts and it supports milk production.

Deciding where to pump

Depending on where you live, most employers are expected to provide reasonable accommodation for breastfeeding mums to pump breast milk during the workday. Ask your employer about the availability of lactation rooms or a private area or office you can use. You should not have to pump in a toilet cubicle. Most employers will happily accommodate your needs to pump breast milk, especially if you can help by suggesting easy ways to fit it into the workday.

Storing breast milk at work

Breast milk can be stored in bags or bottles in the work refrigerator or freezer. Just make sure the milk is clearly labelled as breast milk to avoid any misunderstandings! If you do not feel comfortable with this, you can also bring your own cool bag to work and keep the breast milk cool with ice packs.

Some people at work might notice, but if you are relaxed and casual about it, they will understand. Perhaps you can put a picture of your baby and their name on the cool bag. If you have the choice, it is always best to refrigerate your breast milk instead of freezing it, especially if you know you are going to use it in the next few days. If you want to know more about how long you can store breast milk, check out this link.

Talking to colleagues about breast pumping

If you are new to breastfeeding, you may be concerned about how your colleagues will react. In most cases, this is a non-issue. Do not treat the breast pump as a burden or something to apologise for. If anyone asks, just tell them why you are pumping and keep the conversation light. Thank your colleagues for their help while you were gone on maternity leave and let them know how much you appreciate being in a supportive environment. Plus, it is in your work’s and colleagues’ best interests as well, since healthier and more intelligent babies turn into healthier and more intelligent people, which helps benefit the economy and puts less demand on our healthcare system. So feel proud about what you are doing!

Working mums have to balance the demands of home and family and the expectations of their employer. Fortunately, returning to work as a breastfeeding mum is now easier than ever. With just a few small modifications to your daily routine and the right tools, such as breast pumps and storage bottles, you can keep working while still nourishing your baby with breast milk.

 

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Going Back to Work after Maternity Leave

One of the biggest challenges new mums face is going back to work after maternity leave. This can be a highly emotional experience, with new mums wondering how to balance their demanding career with their desire to spend enough time with their baby.

 The good news is that, with a bit of planning and preparation, you can smoothly manage the process of returning to work. Here are a few of the most common concerns that working breastfeeding mums have, and, more importantly, some tips for how to deal with them.

Juggling work and baby

Caring for your baby is already a 24-hour-a-day job. When you add a busy work schedule to your child-rearing routine, things can become overwhelming. There is no ‘perfect’ balance between work, family and other commitments. Bear in mind that you need to take care of yourself too: if you are tired and stressed you will not be able to do any of these things well.

On the upside, your life will eventually return to a more balanced state. In the meantime, it is best to just enjoy the ride as much as possible.

Finding day care

In an ideal world, you would be able to bring your baby to a day care centre at your place of work or leave them with a trusted in-home child minder or nanny. Or your husband would take over. Even if this is not possible, there are plenty of other options.

When choosing a day care provider, make sure that they are accredited and have a safe, clean environment. Do a background check on their employees, ask for referrals from other parents and do whatever you can to make sure that your child is going to be safe.

If you are breastfeeding, you will want to be sure that your day care centre is prepared to feed your baby with your milk, using a feeding solution such as Calma, which ensures your baby continues to use the same sucking behaviour they use when nursing at your breast.

Breastfeeding and pumping at work

Some women are concerned about whether they will be able to keep breastfeeding after returning to work and ask themselves questions like:

  • Will I be able to express enough milk?
  • Will my employer provide a breastfeeding-friendly environment for pumping?
  • Will colleagues understand?

These are legitimate concerns, but most of the time things will work out just fine. Do not be shy about asking what your employer can offer, and try to put forward some constructive ideas yourself.

Adapting to a new working style

It might be hard to keep to the same travel schedule or work the same hours that you are used to. Consider asking your supervisor to help you arrange a more creative work schedule that could be a win-win for your employer and for you. If you are working full time, could you work a compressed week with four 10-hour days a week, or work from home one day a week? How about suggesting a part-time schedule or job share arrangement?

The key is to have a plan before you go back to work and present your ideas in a way that highlights the benefits for the organisation.

Staying positive and self-confident.

Many working mums are highly established in their careers before having a baby. If you start to feel exhausted or even trapped, remember that you are not alone in this situation. Contact your lactation consultant or a support and networking group for working mums – or start one of your own. You do not have to let negative emotions hold you back in your career or personal life.

Impact on the relationship with husband or partner

Going back to work as a breastfeeding mum opens up a variety of potential relationship concerns. You might worry about your finances. Or perhaps your partner feels somewhat unclear about their role. Try to encourage your partner to be honest about their feelings. Having children can make your relationship stronger, but you have to keep reaching out to each other, carving out time to spend together and assuming the best about each other’s intentions.

Working mums want to be independent, powerful and self-sufficient. If you are feeling emotional, remember that you are going through a very special phase in your life. Do not hesitate to ask for help. Try to use motherhood as an opportunity to create a wider circle of friends for you and your family.

 

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Instructions and Tips for Hands-Free Pumping

Hands-free pumping is a great option for busy mums. With specially designed bras, such as the Medela Easy Expression Bustier, you can talk on the phone, read a book or work on the computer while pumping.

Tips for using a hands-free breast pump

Hands-free pumping may take some practice. To ensure a correct fit and complete drainage of the breasts please follow the tips below:

  • Do not fix the shields too tightly to the breast. If necessary, adjust or loosen the bustier to ensure that the flow of milk is not restricted. You can test the fit after the first few sessions: check the shape of your nipple and look for any marks on your breast made by the breast shield.
  • Massage your breast occasionally during pumping to ensure that milk flows freely from all ducts.
  • Feel your breast all over after pumping to check for complete breast drainage.
  • Pump once or twice a day without the hands free option.

If you are a busy mum, hands-free expression is a great option for you. Use the Medela Easy Expression Bustier so that you can be even more efficient.

Instructions for hands free expression

Step 1

Put on Easy Expression Bustier and leave the zip open slightly.

Step 2

Place the breast shield on your breast under the bustier such that your nipple is centred in the tunnel fo the breast shield.

Step 3

Close the zip and insert the connector onto the breast shield.

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The Benefits of Double Pumping and 2-Phase Expression Technology

Simultaneous breast pumping with 2-Phase Expression technology helps to better maintain your milk supply.

 

Advantages of double pumping

Compared to single pumping, where one breast is pumped at a time, double pumping has a number of scientifically proven benefits:

  • You may get 18% more milk in a 15 minutes pumping session.
  • Your milk has a higher energy content, which is especially beneficial for preterm babies.
  • Last but not least, high energy content indicates increased breast drainage, thereby it is assisting in the maintenance of lactation. Double pumping is twice as fast as single pumping.

2-Phase Expression technology

2-Phase Expression, which was first developed by Medela, mimics your baby’s natural sucking rhythm. Research shows that babies initially use short, fast sucks to stimulate the milk ejection reflex. Once the milk begins to flow, babies change to a slower, individual rhythm to actually feed. 2-Phase Expression uses a similar rhythm, so it stimulates quick milk ejection, makes pumping faster and makes the whole process feel more natural than ever.

Combining 2-Phase Expression with double pumping makes breast pumping quicker than ever before.

Make use of the amazing benefits of double pumping with Medela’s 2-Phase Expression technology.

 

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Useful Breast Pumping Tips

Using a breast pump is something that has to be learned. Be patient, even if you are not able to meet your expectations right away. There are a number of tips that will help you get used to your pumping routine and help you handle your pump correctly.

Pumping works best when you are relaxed

The following list of tips may help you find your own routine. Pumping can even provide you with welcome breaks from everyday stress.

  • Following a routine may help you to stimulate a good milk flow. If you establish a fixed time of the day to pump, your body can prepare for the extra demand on your milk supply.
  • It is easier to express milk when you are relaxed. Take your time. Feeling rushed will impair your let-down. You may also try deep breathing exercises, relaxation exercises from your antenatal class or positive visualisation (e.g. sitting in the sun at the shore of a lake).
  • Seek privacy and avoid distractions.
  • Have everything you might need within reach.
  • Apply warm compresses to your breasts to enhance let-down and milk flow.
  • Some women prefer to massage their breasts before pumping to encourage the let-down reflex.
  • Relax your shoulders and make sure your back and arms are well supported.
  • Hold the breast shield from your pump set between your thumb and index finger. Use your palm and the other fingers to support your breast. This helps to maintain a good seal between the breast shield and the breast and avoids pushing the edges of the breast shield into your breast tissue, which can cause blocked milk ducts.
  • Many mums find it easier to express their milk in front of their baby. If you are separated from your baby, you could look at a picture of your little one, listen to a recording of their voice or smell a piece of their clothing.
  • Have a nice drink and a healthy snack handy before and during the pumping session.
  • Get as much rest as possible.

Using your breast pump

  • Find a comfortable place to express your milk.
  • Select the correct size breast shield (the part of the pump that is shaped like a funnel) for your breast. The breast shield should closely surround your nipple but leave enough space so that your nipple does not rub against the wall of the shield and can move freely back and forth. Medela provides breast shields in different sizes.
  • Pump at Maximum Comfort Vacuum. The Maximum Comfort Vacuum is the highest vacuum a mother can tolerate and still be comfortable. You can determine your own Maximum Comfort Vacuum by increasing the vacuum until pumping feels slightly uncomfortable (not painful), then decreasing the vacuum slightly.
  • The key for successful milk expression is stimulating your let-down reflex. Discomfort or pain will hamper your let-down.
  • Massage your breasts before and occasionally during pumping to encourage your let-down and milk flow.
  • Double pumping cuts your pumping time in half. Your prolactin level is higher when you use a double pump, so you may produce more milk over time.
  • When you pump one breast at a time, switch from one side to the other several times.
  • Milk expression should never be painful. If you feel any pain, stop pumping immediately and ask your lactation consultant for advice. Do not risk damaging your sensitive breast tissue by using your breast pump incorrectly!

Breast pumping to have milk in stock or to enhance milk supply?

  • If you are breast pumping with the aim of having milk in stock, pump one hour after the end of a morning session. In the morning you are not as tired as you will be in the afternoon or evening and your milk flows more easily.
  • If your goal is to enhance your milk supply, pump after every second breastfeeding session for about 15 minutes, even if there is only a little milk being expressed. This additional suction stimulates your body to produce more milk.

Hygiene during breast pumping

  • Whether you hand express or use a breast pump, wash your hands before you start expressing and follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning the pump and the pump set.
  • Good hygiene is mandatory if you want to give your expressed milk to your baby. All parts of the breast pump and the containers used to collect and store your milk should be cleaned and disinfected before use. If your baby is sick or born prematurely, follow the hospital guidelines strictly.

A breast pump is a machine and will not stimulate the same feelings as your baby. But after a while you will learn to trigger your let-down with pumping. Be patient and be gentle with yourself.

 

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How to Choose a Breast Pump

Every breastfeeding mum has a unique lifestyle and attitude towards breastfeeding. This is exactly why Medela makes a wide range of breast pumps, each one designed to suit a certain lifestyle or situation.

Double or single? Manual or electric pump?

Choosing a breast pump starts with the decision about how often you plan to feed your baby breast milk from a bottle. If you know you will be sharing feeding responsibilities with others more than twice a week, we recommend a breast pump that allows you to express both breasts at once, because simultaneous breast pumping helps to better maintain your milk supply.

If you are feeding breast milk from a bottle twice a week or less, then you can get by with a single breast pump and decide whether to use a manual or electric version. Find out which pump fits your needs best according to your lifestyle:

Scenario 1: full-time breastfeeding mum

You want to breastfeed full-time and your baby will only receive breast milk from a bottle a couple of times a week. You are not planning on going back to work or study during the breastfeeding period, so there is no reason why your baby would be separated from you on a daily basis.

Recommendation

Electric or manual single breast pump with 2-Phase Expression. The choice is yours: do you want to do the work and express your milk manually, or let the pump do the work for you?

Medela Swing breast pump completeSwing (electric)

Harmony (manual)

Scenario 2: parents with shared feeding responsibilities

You and your partner want to be equally involved in the bonding and feeding experience. While you are breastfeeding, your partner will need you to express your breast milk so he can feed your baby with a bottle. When you go back to work, you will be breast pumping whenever your baby would breastfeed. This milk will be given to your little one by bottle while you are absent.

 

Recommendation

Double breast pump, 2-Phase Expression, electric
and battery powered

Medela Freestyle breast pump completeFreestyle

Medela Swing Maxi breast pump completeSwing maxi

Scenario 3: healthy term baby and mum, but breastfeeding is a challenge for one or both of them

Your baby was born at term, but you are having trouble establishing breastfeeding and/or lactation. You really want to breastfeed your baby, but you are worried you will not be able to. You are not receiving hospital care, but you are receiving support from a lactation consultant, midwife or other healthcare professional.

In this situation you need to use a breast pump to establish and maintain your milk supply.

Once you and your baby have overcome your breastfeeding and lactation challenges, go back to scenarios 1 and 2 to determine whether it makes sense for you to switch to another pump.

Recommendation

Symphony Rental with Symphony Retail Double Pumping Kit – designed to establish and maintain a mother’s breast milk supply.

Medela Symphony breast pump Pumpset Symphony Rental

Medela Freestyle breast pump completeFreestyle

Scenario 4: pump-dependent mum

You cannot breastfeed or you are separated from your baby, maybe because your baby was born too early or is ill. You are both still in the hospital and you need help to establish your milk supply.

This is a critical time and your breast milk could make all the difference to your baby’s well-being.

Once you and your baby have both been discharged from the hospital and neither of you is experiencing any breastfeeding challenges, go back to scenarios 1 and 2 to determine whether it makes sense for you to switch to another breast pump.

Recommendation

Symphony breast pump with initiation software and sterile single-use pumping kits – a hospital grade breast pump.

The initiation technology helps to activate milk production when you are separated from your baby. The sterile single-use pumping kits protect the valuable expressed breast milk by minimising the risk of contamination.

Medela Symphony breast pump Pumpset Symphony Rental

There is a Medela breast pump for every woman’s situation or lifestyle. Regardless of what you choose, remember that all Medela breast pumps feature 2-Phase Expression, which mimics the baby’s natural sucking rhythm.

 

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How Breastfeeding Benefits Your Baby

Breast milk is the perfect nutrition for your baby. It provides exactly the right mix of nutrients and protective antibodies your baby needs.

Why breastfeeding?

The following list sums up the main benefits of breastfeeding for your baby. There are some very compelling reasons why leading health organisations including the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that mothers breastfeed exclusively for the first six months and continue to feed their babies breast milk in addition to solid foods for the first two years.

  • Breast milk contains everything your baby needs: proteins, fats, lactose, vitamins, iron, minerals, water and enzymes in the exact amounts required for optimal growth and development.
  • Breast milk contains substances that prevent harmful bacteria from growing in the intestines and causing gastrointestinal and diarrhoeal infections.
  • Breastfed babies have fewer middle ear infections, fewer respiratory infections and a decreased risk of developing allergies, cancer, childhood diabetes and obesity.
  • Breastfed babies have a decreased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
  • Breastfed babies are less prone to develop diabetes, heart disease, eczema, asthma and other allergic disorders later in life.
  • Breastfeeding a premature baby decreases their risk of developing necrotising enterocolitis (NEC).
  • Breastfeeding enhances brain development. Research shows there is better visual development and visual acuity in breastfed children.
  • Breast milk has the right temperature and needs no preparation. It is readily available whenever your baby needs it.
  • Breastfeeding is more than just food. It enhances the emotional bond between the baby and the mother and provides warmth, love and affection.

Let your baby benefit from breastfeeding and your breast milk for a good start and healthy development.

 

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Nutrition for Mums During Breastfeeding

You do not need to eat special foods or drink milk while breastfeeding. You do not necessarily have to avoid certain foods or beverages, either, with two important exceptions: consume caffeine in moderation and avoid alcohol completely.

Food during breastfeeding

You do not need to follow special nutritional guidelines during breastfeeding. Mums all over the world eat spicy foods and breastfeed their babies successfully. It is a good idea, though, to eat what you usually eat, while ensuring that you consume a variety of foods and eat more foods that are not overly processed.

Some foods may flavour your breast milk, but babies rarely react to this. If your baby is fussy after you eat a certain food or spice, try avoiding that food completely for about four days. Observe your baby and see whether the fussiness disappears. Sometimes you may need to avoid this particular food for two to three weeks or even longer, until the baby can tolerate you eating it again. Reintroduce a small amount and see how your baby feels.

If you follow a very specific diet (e.g. macrobiotic or vegan), ask your healthcare provider how this diet will affect your milk.

Beverages during breastfeeding

You need enough fluids to stay well hydrated, but you should only drink to quench your thirst. You are drinking enough when the colour of your urine is clear to pale yellow. Two litres of fluid per day (or more if you are used to it) is a good goal. Remember that soup and other foods also contain water.

A nursing mother can safely drink about two cups of coffee per day. But remember, when caffeine enters your bloodstream, a small amount can be passed on to your baby through your breast milk. Drinking more caffeine than recommended may cause fussiness and sleeping problems in your baby. If your baby reacts to even one cup a day, you may need to switch to decaf.

Alcohol also enters your bloodstream and can very quickly be passed along to your baby through breast milk. It is best to avoid alcohol completely while breastfeeding.

Every mum and baby may react differently to certain foods. If you have questions or concerns, ask your healthcare professional or lactation consultant.

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Finding a Lactation Consultant

Breastfeeding is the best nutritional option for your baby, but it does not always come naturally to everyone and you might encounter some challenges. Be prepared and make sure you know where you can find help from a lactation consultant if you need it.

Getting breastfeeding support

It is normal to feel a bit nervous when breastfeeding for the first time. If you have questions or challenges regarding breastfeeding, it is important to seek information and help from a trained lactation consultant as soon as possible. Do not wait days or even weeks before reaching out for help.

Try to find a lactation consultant or a doctor, nurse, dietician or midwife who is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). These trained lactation consultants are extremely skilled at providing breastfeeding support. They understand the experiences a new mum might be going through and can help with all kinds of practical breastfeeding issues. They can also help you build your breastfeeding confidence and keep your own experience and your needs in perspective.

Your hospital can usually help you find a lactation consultant. Simply phone the hospital and ask for the breastfeeding clinic. If you have taken antenatal classes, ask your course leader to provide you with a list of lactation consultants or lactation support groups in your area. It is better to have this information at hand before you encounter any challenges!